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Ms Roseanna Cunningham MSP has highlighted concerns being expressed by local residents about failures by Perth & Kinross Council regarding travel arrangements during the period the Solheim Cup is taking place at Gleneagles.

Ms Cunningham underlined the importance of continuing to attract major events like the Solheim Cup, but stressed the need to keep local residents in mind and to keep them properly informed of all access and infrastructure changes.

Ms Cunningham called on the Council to urgently address the concerns of local residents, saying:

“On the whole major events like the Solheim Cup are fantastic for the local area and I fully support all efforts to attract such prestigious competitions to Gleneagles and elsewhere in my constituency.

“We all understand that the number of visitors expected to be attracted to a competition of global importance will have an impact on the local infrastructure and transportation network. It is essential, therefore, that the needs of local residents are always to the fore in such planning and that they are kept fully and frequently informed of changes that might affect them in any way.

“My constituents need to be able to go about their day-to-day business and to be treated with respect.

“Sadly, in some instances, this does not always seem to have been the case on this occasion. I have received several complaints from local people about road and bus stop closures, but – more particularly – about lack of information and confused communication on the part of the local Council, in contrast to their experience at similar events in previous years.

“Particular concerns that have been raised with me include the closure of the bus stop on the A9, as well as the closure of access to the A9 via the A823 at Loaninghead and to the southbound A9 via Western Road.

“During previous Golf Tournaments at Gleneagles when the A9 Gleneagles bus stop has been closed, Perth & Kinross Council has been in touch with regular CityLink bus users to advise them about the closure of the bus stop and to arrange alternative transport arrangements. Indeed, my constituents tell me that the Council has previously been very supportive in understanding their needs but they no longer feel that is the case.

“I am informed that the bus stop closure was not even mentioned in the booklet that was circulated to locals.

“The road closures mean no access to the southbound A9 for car drivers who work in Stirling or Glasgow. Is the expectation that they go to work via Blackford or Braco? These closures also impact on rail users as they make it impossible to get to the station car park without a lengthy detour.

“I urge Perth & Kinross Council to act promptly to address the concerns that have been raised with me and to ensure that all the information that is required by my constituents is conveyed efficiently and effectively.”